LTO personnel to use automated handheld devices in traffic violations 

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be equipping its field personnel with automated handheld devices and body cameras in apprehending motorists who commit traffic violations. 

These devices will form part of the LTO's arsenal against traffic violators

According to LTO chief Jose Arturo Tugade, a number of the agency’s law enforcement personnel has been undergoing training in the use of the equipment, which will be crucial in issuing citation tickets for traffic offenses. Resembling point-of-sale (POS) scanners used in stores, the handheld devices can automatically generate an electronic temporary operator’s permit (E-TOP) in lieu of physical tickets. 

“We will no longer issue manual TOPs, and instead use this device to issue tickets to erring motorists,” he said. “The minute the violation is entered in, the enforcer cannot edit it and can no longer negotiate about the infraction of the traffic violator.” 

LTO enforcers underwent a refresher course on the proper use of the equipment in the field

In instances where the devices cannot go online because of erratic internet connectivity problems, enforcers can revert to issuing traffic violation tickets manually. Tugade adds that in case drivers lose the receipts, they can still pay the fines since the LTO database already contains their information. 

The deployment of these devices for apprehending traffic violators is part of the first phase of the agency’s digitalization project, with at least 1,200 handheld devices to be deployed nationwide. 

LTO Chief Jose Arturo Tugade believes that the use of technology will help curb corruption among the agency's personnel

For the second phase scheduled within the next two months, the LTO aims to allow cashless payments on the spot since the devices can scan QR codes and even feature a swiper for credit cards. This means that drivers can settle the penalties without the need to surrender their licenses.  

Tugade clarifies that only LTO personnel will be allowed to use the devices. The agency is currently coordinating with local government units and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) with the goal of implementing a single ticketing system in Metro Manila within the first quarter of 2023. 

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